Blue Lagoon and Turtle Cove Cruise Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa harbour and the sea caves

The cruise starts at Ayia Napa harbour, where you board about 15 to 30 minutes before the 09:30 departure. Almost as soon as the boat leaves the port you meet the Ayia Napa sea caves, a row of cliffs, arches and hollows worn into the limestone by the sea. From the water you see them at a scale that is impossible from the cliff path, and the guide points out where the light hits the caves best.

This is the classic answer to what to do in Ayia Napa by boat, and many travellers choose this Ayia Napa sea caves cruise for photos as well as for swimming. Arrive on time, because the boat leaves at the scheduled hour, and bring a hat and sunscreen for the sun on the deck.

Cape Greco and the Kamara tou Koraka arch

Cape Greco is the peninsula at the eastern tip of the island, a protected national forest park with tall cliffs and turquoise coves. The boat sails close to the rock face, and you can see the wild, empty coastline that hikers walk above. Nearby is Kamara tou Koraka, the natural stone bridge known as the Crow's Arch, one of the best-known photo stops of the trip.

Travellers searching for a Cape Greco boat trip or a Cape Greco cruise usually want this scenery, and the sail is the easiest way to see it in a couple of hours. The captain adjusts the route when the sea is rough, and the sailing order can change, so treat the itinerary as a guide rather than a fixed schedule.

The Blue Lagoon and Turtle Cove swimming stops

The Blue Lagoon near Cape Greco is a sheltered bay with clear turquoise water over a pale seabed, and it is one of the most photographed swimming spots in the area. The boat anchors for a one-hour swim, and you can float, swim, snorkel with your own set or simply sunbathe on deck. Bring your own snorkel set, because one is not included.

The second one-hour swimming stop is at Turtle Cove near Konnos Bay, a quiet cove where marine life can be spotted from the surface. Sea turtles live in these waters and you may see them with luck, though sightings are never guaranteed. Do not touch or chase any marine life. If you wonder whether the Blue Lagoon cruise is worth it, the two swims are the reason.

On board: comfort, food and what to bring

The boat has indoor seating, an outdoor area, a top deck and sunbathing mattresses, so there is shade for those who need it. Food and drinks can be bought on board, and lunch can be ordered at check-in, but they are paid separately. Bring cash or a card, a towel, swimwear, biodegradable sunscreen and flip-flops.

The crew is experienced and provides life jackets for adults and children. The trip is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, or for anyone who is prone to motion sickness, and the itinerary can change if the weather is poor. Children are welcome if accompanied, and a top-deck jump is only done under the crew's supervision.